2. Suicide Assessment Protocol
Gina Bassford, Coordinator for Counseling and Career Services

3. Recognition of a Problem
Growing trend across the country
Student loss
Student loss after graduation
Counselor awareness of increasing issue

4. Developing a Suicide Assessment Protocol
Visited other districts
Consulted with Dr. Melissa Reeves, President of National Association of School Psychologists
Developed a draft protocol
Team review
January 15, 2016 Staff Training
January 19, 2016 District-wide Implementation

5. Determination of Risk Level
Team Approach Guides the Process in determining the Risk Level
Low Risk
Moderate Risk
High Risk

6. Assessment Procedures
Communicated Intent
Ideation
Previous Attempts
Plan (specific, detailed, viable)
Changes in Mood/Behavior
Stressors
Mental Illness
Substance Use
Protective Factors
Support system
Sense of purpose
Plans for future
Understanding of death
Personal Factors
Engage in risky behaviors
Impulsive
Affect

7. Low Risk Protocol CALL PARENT Student searched by admin, if necessary
If parent can’t be reached, involve SRO or law enforcement
Student searched by admin, if necessary
Reassure and supervise the student
Assist with connecting student to school and community resources
Child released to parent custody for parent follow-up OR routine after school transportation

8. Moderate Risk Protocol
There is a plan, but there is no access and/or no desire to immediately carry out the plan.
CALL PARENT
If parent can’t be reached, involve SRO or law enforcement
Student searched by admin, if necessary
Supervise student at all times, including restroom
Release student to:
Parent/guardian committed to seek mental health attention within 24 hours
Law enforcement
DSS
Ambulance transport
School requires medical note of having been seen
Parent briefed on process and re-entry meeting planned

9. High Risk Protocol
There is an imminent threat and immediate mental health assessment is required.
The same procedures observed as in Moderate assessment except
The student must receive an immediate mental health assessment

10. After the Assessment Moderate or High Only Student Returns to School
Student meets with counselor and parent when returned with note
If the student comes without a note, the parent is called to pick up the student and take for an assessment
If parent hasn’t taken student for assessment and refuses to do so, DSS is contacted
Student doesn’t return to school
Defined follow-up protocol is in place which focuses on getting the student help
Re-entry Plan Developed

11. Responding to needs
Data is being analyzed to determine needs – school, grade level, etc.
Always err on the side of caution
“Signs of Suicide” in ALL high schools (provided by Mental Health America)
“Signs of Suicide” in 3 middle schools (provided by Mental Health America)
Staff training
Jason Flatt Act

12. QUESTIONS????